World Cup: British Press Rips and Rams Deflated England Cricket Team
The Barmy Army has fallen silent as the English cricketers crumble to humiliating defeats Down Under. Things aren't peachy back home either with fans, critics and the press gunning for their blood.
"National Embarrassment!"
Two words resonated all over England after the national cricket team succumbed to their second successive defeat in the World Cup. New Zealand cruised to an eight-wicket win at Wellington on Friday, courtesy a batting effort from the visitors that left their fans shell-shocked. (Match scorecard | Match highlights | Report)
Coming on the back of a batting implosion against Australia, the Three Lions chose to set a target against the Kiwis. In what was a day and night match, only a total of 46 overs were bowled as New Zealand chased down a paltry target of 124 in 12.2 overs. "Woeful England hammered by New Zealand. Could this be the worst day in our cricket history?" asked a report on dailymail.co.uk. No surprises that surfers here gave full vent to their frustration, some even calling them team rotten. "This. Was. Just. Embarrassing. Can't believe I actually woke up to see this shambles," wrote a fan named Prada27 on the site. (Also read: Brendon McCullum slams fastest World Cup fifty against England)
When was the last time a Day/Night match finished before the floodlights were switched on?
- Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) February 20, 2015
The horrific gloom had descended on other major UK news websites as well. "New Zealand humiliate England in World Cup," read the main headline on The Guardian. "Went to sleep at 53/3 wake up three hours later and we've lost! Pathetic and embarrassing," wrote Keith Lawton, a fan, in a tweet that featured prominently on a BBC debate. "NZ were brilliant but England will try to fully use that to excuse own performance. Got their head in the sand. Just rubbish," wrote Paul Collins, another fan whose message was featured here. (In pics: How Southee claimed seven to destroy England)
Elsewhere, jokes and jabs took centerstage with many calling England the new minnows of international cricket. "If we beat Scotland, it would be as good as the World Cup for us. As for bets, my money is surely not on Eoin (Morgan), tweeted Alex Hill, an English fan who is currently in Australia. (Read: English cricket becomes butt of jokes online)
With two losses in as many matches, England's chances this World Cup have once again taken a nosedive. Even as captain Morgan tries to put up a brave face, not many are taking him and his players seriously. ""We intend to go about putting it right by getting a win in and putting in a performance against Scotland," he said at the post-match ceremony. "Our first goal is to get to the quarter-finals and we can still do that."